Monday, 25 April 2016

Soft X–rays and Hard X–rays

Soft X–rays and Hard X–rays
X–rays are of two types-

Soft X–rays

Hard X–rays

Soft X–rays
X–rays having wavelength of 4Å or above, have lesser frequency
and hence lesser energy. They are called soft X – rays due to their low
penetrating power. They are produced at comparatively low potential
difference.

Hard X–rays
X–rays having low wavelength of the order of 1Å have high
frequency and hence high energy. Their penetrating power is high,
therefore they are called hard X–rays. They are produced at
comparatively high potential difference.
The wavelength of X–rays depends upon the kinetic energy of the
electrons producing them and this kinetic energy depends upon the
potential difference between the filament and the target.